Uncommon or archaic vocabulary words, when properly applied to certain written work can add depth to the piece and an increased level of interest for the reader. This page’s title, for example, Deckle & Quire, employs the use of words that were, and to an extent still are common to the industry in which I worked for many years.
Deckle refers to the finishing width of a papermaking machine at a paper mill. Manufacturers try to deckle the machine - use 100% of the allowable width - when making paper. Often, 100% is not achievable and narrow rolls of paper result. These rolls are commonly referred to as deckle rolls. The word deckle is also used to describe an unfinished or untrimmed edge of the pages in a book. This is referred to as having a deckle edge. Quire refers to 24 sheets of paper, an old term dating back to the 15th century. Also associated with quantities of paper is the word sheaf, another older word referring to a random number of or a bundle of sheets of paper.
Regarding uncommon, or unfamiliar vocabulary words: I read The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley and could not put down this great story. Set in London in 1664, Buckley takes us on a wonderous adventure from England through the Colonies and introduces us to characters that are a combination of those created by Charles Dickens and P.G. Wodehouse. In addition to spinning such a satirical and absurd tale, with references to actual historical events, Buckley employs stylish, periodic language that, admittedly, had me checking my dictionary, every so often. This kind of read is as good for the head as it is for the soul and keeps one in touch with the roots of our English language. It’s a fun read and I give it five quills!
UPDATE 2022: As noted in the Bio section, our decision to move, selling our house and finding a new home took a big chunk out of my schedule, and it’s great to get back to work at Scrittone.
UPDATE 2023: In September of 2022, I joined the world of academia and became a substitute teacher at Union County Vocational Technical Schools (UCVTS) in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. It is the very best job I’ve ever had in my life! Five high schools, situated on a college-style campus, offer gifted students an education in Information Technology, Performing Arts, Health Sciences, Computer Science and essential trades. UCVTS students, superstars everyone, go on to continue studies in their chosen fields in some of the finest colleges and universities in the United States. The principals, teachers, supervisors and administrative staff are of the highest caliber, and are 100% dedicated to the education, health and well-being of each and every student. It is an honor to be a small part of such an amazing institution.
Links
Visit www.nyybatboy.com if you’d like a copy of The Luckiest Kid in New York, the book I wrote with Anthony Florio
Visit www.dorothysiclare.com if you’re interested in commissioning a portrait in oil, pastel or graphite.
Visit sistasoccer.com to learn about a wonderful nonprofit organization that distributes soccer gear to teams around the world